Too old for trick-or-treating?

You don't have to live in Tombstone, Ariz., or Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., to enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween.

You don't have to live in Tombstone, Ariz., or Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., to enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween.

About 41.1 million trick-or-treaters, age 5 to 14, rang doorbells in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And those older than 14 and younger than 5 also took part in the fun.

But is there an age where dressing up and asking for candy, trinkets or loose change should end?

The Pocono Record contacted several local municipalities, who reported that they do not have a specific age limit. So we asked readers, tweeters and Facebook friends: What age — if any — is too old to don a disguise and go for the goodies?

Here is what they had to say:

In my younger years, I believed trick-or-treat was just for those not much older than 12 or 13. However, I've since rethought my position and feel that any age is appropriate. It's like thinking that Santa is just for kids. As one grows older and realizes that life can be so short, why not dress up and have a ball ... what can it hurt? Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!Rick Hageman

Once a "child" reaches the magical double-digit age of TEN, he or she no longer thinks of him/herself as a child. This practice should be for children in costume, mostly accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. A group of teenagers in street clothes looks like a gang looking for handouts of money or candy in exchange for just being there. No, this should be for the children who get a real kick out of dressing up and pretending just for fun.

Jim

123 years old! ... Let everyone enjoy themselves if they want to!

Sara Marie

There shouldn't be an age limit. It's about having fun.

Sharon Marsh Tallada

Honestly, if you are costumed up, I see no point in an age limit. I like seeing the costumes and don't mind giving out treats to all ages. No costume, no candy.

Lisa Stashek

As long as the person at my door is in costume and it's still trick-or-treat time, I don't mind giving out candy. If my neighbors wouldn't recognize me, I'd still trick-or-treat! They give out good candy.

Kathleen Cassidy Connors

Leave the T&T for the "kids." Once you are an "adult," you should be able to afford to buy your own candy!

Deb Talamini-Murphy

I think there should be no age as long as all respect each other while out there looking for treats.Caroline Schwenck Reitz

Never. I know some grown-up kids. I gave candy to a woman who had to be at least in her forties! If she said trick or treat, she got candy.Helen Kmak Bogad

I turn them away if they're too old.Steve Leibig

5 years old should be the cutoff.John Underwood

My children loved trick-or-treating all the way to senior year in high school. Their friends would come to our house and had a great time dressing up and going out.Halina Laskowski Lombardy

No age limit! It's the SPIRIT of the event.I just hate when people put little to no effort into their costumes. I think it has little to do with money, more likely just do minimum for the goodies.Sandy Meckes

There shouldn't be an age restriction. If it is something you love to do, why make the person stop?Janine Gabrielle Gaeta

As long as you're a kid at heart, you should leave it be.Chris Kise-Olsen

I stopped at 11.Landon Allen

14/15 years old. After that they should go to Halloween parties at a friend's house or their own home.Heather Geisler

I always thought it was 13, but I am glad to see that people will give out to anyone who is dressed up. Where do they live, 'cause I am 48 and love dressing up.Kim Landheer Staples

There shouldn't be an age limit ... as long as they enjoy it, let them do it.Brenda Craig Golembeski

I don't care what age they are. As long as they are in a costume (not dark clothing! A costume!) and they say, "Trick or treat." No costume, no trick-or-treat? No candy — that simple. I'd give candy to a 50-year-old as long as they do it right!Jennifer Crosby

I still went 3 or 4 years ago and I'm 24, LOL.Jenna Rahmann

I don't think there should be a cut-off age, as long as you're dressed up in a costume and not raising hell, you should be able to go out and have fun.Shelley Margretta McNeely

When it got boring for me, but the rule I always thought was 18 and under.Leanne Jones

Once you're swearing, acting like an idiot and knocking over little kids ... go throw a party. Stop being a terror for others with little kids!Shannon Vanhorn

If you're on Medicare???Bob Neipert

The last time I went trick-or-treating I was in 10th grade ... after that I stayed home and gave out candy ... then I had my little guy, and this will be our sixth trick-or-treat ... he loves it and I love seeing his face ... however, I would never go trick-or-treating alone (without child) at this age ... to me that's creepy.Christina Thomas

I think that once you're an adult, you should leave the trick-or-treating to the little kids. With the economy the way it is, a lot of people can't afford to give out candy, but still want to give something. I feel that 16 is a good time to stop. I still dress up now and then, it's fun to give out the candy while in costume.Margaret Kiernan-Walker

As long as kids are still in high school and are dressed in costume, I will give candy. But if you are an adult doing it with no kids, I don't think you should be trick-or-treating anymore. I will give candy out to some parents who are with little ones who are dressed up also.Laney Marie Bryant

No age limit! I want my Almond Joys!!Jo-Ann George Klimowicz

16, unless you have young kids you're taking out; then, 18. Never too old to dress up and have fun, and I give candy to everyone regardless of age.Crystal Lemanski